After the school bell rang, signaling the end of class, Miura Yumiko swiftly regained her usual queen-like demeanor. With an air of effortless confidence, she pulled Yuigahama Yui and Ebina Hina along with her towards Shiina Mahiru, engaging in her usual lively chatter.
Occasionally, however, her sharp eyes would flicker toward Hozuki Nozomi, only to quickly dart away the moment he looked in her direction. It was a subtle movement, but one that did not go unnoticed by her friends.
Both Yui and Hina felt a sense of relief wash over them—Yumiko seemed to have recovered from her heartbreak. At the same time, they couldn't help but feel a sense of awe towards Nozomi. Just what did he say to her yesterday? How did she bounce back so quickly from the emotional turmoil she had been drowning in?
As if to reclaim her rightful status, Yumiko confidently took over the seat of an unfortunate male student, who was only too happy to sacrifice his place for Her Majesty. Sitting like a queen overseeing her domain, her gaze eventually settled on Hozuki Nozomi, who was seated at his desk, his pen gliding smoothly across a notebook.
Her curiosity piqued, she turned to Mahiru. "Oi, Mahiru, what's Nozomi doing?"
Shiina Mahiru, ever the gentle and graceful girl, chuckled softly. "Ah, he's currently collaborating with a well-known animator to produce an original anime. Nozomi is in charge of writing the script and overseeing the entire project."
"Ehh? He's actually making an anime?" Yuigahama Yui gasped, covering her mouth in surprise. "I always thought he was just a regular otaku who consumes anime and light novels."
Hozuki Nozomi, overhearing her words, raised an eyebrow and shot her a deadpan look. "Oi, just because I enjoy anime and light novels doesn't mean I'm some passive consumer. I am a proud creator."
Yui giggled sheepishly, waving her hands in defense. "I didn't mean to insult you! I just think it's super cool!"
Ebina Hina, who had been quietly observing the exchange, leaned in with interest. "So, what's the name of this anime you're working on?"
Instead of answering immediately, Nozomi simply handed them a neatly organized project proposal.
"'Mahou Shoujo Misaki'?" Yumiko read aloud, tilting her head slightly.
"Whoa, it actually looks really good!" Yui exclaimed with exaggerated enthusiasm.
It was hard to tell if she was genuinely interested or just trying to hype him up, but Nozomi didn't seem to mind. He waved his hand casually. "If you're interested, once the game adaptation is complete, I can get you a beta copy to try out."
"Really?" Yui's eyes sparkled with excitement.
"Of course. We need beta testers to provide feedback anyway, so it works out."
Miura Yumiko, who had been listening quietly, suddenly crossed her arms and declared, "I want a copy too."
Nozomi smirked. "Sure, no problem."
Meanwhile, Hayama Hayato, who had been watching from the sidelines, felt an odd sense of discomfort creeping up on him. He had gotten so used to having Yumiko and the others constantly chattering around him that their absence now felt unsettling.
Wasn't it always a hassle dealing with their relentless energy? So why did it feel… wrong when they were directing their attention elsewhere?
If Nozomi knew what Hayama was thinking, he would have scoffed. People never seem to appreciate what they have until they lose it. But regret is useless—there's no reset button in life.
"Hey, Nozomi," Yumiko suddenly spoke up again, her voice carrying an unusual softness, "do you like reading light novels?"
He blinked at her question before smiling slightly. "Of course. As a writer, I find inspiration in other people's works. But more than that, I started reading because I didn't have many friends back then. Light novels and games were my way of passing time."
Hearing his words, Yumiko's gaze softened. She twirled a strand of her golden hair between her fingers, feigning nonchalance as she said, "Any recommendations? I kind of want to see what light novels are all about."
Nozomi's eyes lit up as he reached into his bag. "You should try 'Love Metronome.' The author, Kasumi Utako, is rumored to be a beautiful high school girl. Her writing is incredibly immersive, and her way with words is truly a highlight. It's a school romance, so you might enjoy it."
With that, he handed her the book. Yumiko accepted it carefully, a hint of sincerity in her voice as she said, "Thanks. I'll read it properly."
Seeing this, Yuigahama Yui pouted slightly. She had wanted to ask for a book recommendation too, but Yumiko had beaten her to it.
But for Yumiko, reading the novel wasn't just about the book itself. She wanted to find something—anything—that would give her common ground with Nozomi.
During the break, Yumiko immersed herself in 'Love Metronome,' flipping through its pages with surprising dedication. As the minutes passed, her expression shifted—she was captivated.
She had always assumed that otaku culture—light novels, anime, and manga—was something entirely foreign to someone like her. That stepping into that world would only invite judgment from others.
But now, as she read through the beautifully woven words of Kasumi Utako, she felt as though a new door had opened before her.
This world of light novels…
It was actually kind of fascinating.
And Kasumi Utako's writing—
It was truly beautiful.
"Yumiko, are you reading a light novel?"
Hayama Hayato's voice carried a trace of disbelief as he looked at her blankly.
"Yeah, it's actually pretty interesting," Miura Yumiko replied casually, a slight smile playing on her lips as she turned another page.
Hayato felt a strange sense of unease settle in his chest. Since when did Yumiko, of all people, start reading light novels? That wasn't like her at all.
This wasn't the Miura Yumiko he was used to.
Suppressing his discomfort, he forced himself to engage with the ever-energetic Tobe Kakeru and the others, trying to ignore the gnawing feeling that something had changed. Or rather, that something was slipping away. But no matter how hard he tried to distract himself, he couldn't shake off the sensation.
Perhaps it was because he had become too used to the way things had always been—the way Yumiko always hovered around him, the way she cared so openly, the way she always sought his attention. But now, it felt like she was slowly drifting out of his orbit.
And he had no idea what to do about it.
==================
Nozomi, on the other hand, wasn't the least bit worried about Yumiko.
He had already seen through Hayato's true nature—his constant deflections, his unwillingness to take responsibility for the emotions he evoked in others. Yumiko had been caught in that cycle for too long, but she was starting to break free.
That kind of one-sided love… it was utterly meaningless, wasn't it?
Hayato had always known how she felt. He had known, and yet he had never once truly acknowledged it. Instead, he had let her linger, let her remain by his side without giving her the answer she deserved. It was just as Shiina Mahiru had once asked:
Why should she keep liking someone who didn't see her the same way?
Miura Yumiko wasn't stupid. She had finally come to realize the truth. And now, her attitude had shifted—no longer was she the eager girl who constantly sought out Hayato's attention. No longer did her voice carry the same enthusiasm when speaking to him.
Her eyes had lost that hopeful shine. Her tone had grown calm, almost distant. And when she looked at him now, it was with the same neutrality he had always shown her.
Just like that, Hayama Hayato found himself experiencing something new.
Silence.
And he hated it.
=====================
During lunch break, Yumiko and the girls gathered together as usual, chatting and laughing over their meals. Meanwhile, Nozomi headed to the convenience store.
He had given his lunch to Mai Sakurajima that morning, so now he had to make do with a pre-packaged bento.
After purchasing his food, he made his way up to the rooftop, only to be met with an unexpected sight.
The bench was gone.
Frowning, he pulled out his phone and called Sanshokuin Sumireko.
"Oi, Sumireko, where's my bench?"
"Ah, Nozomi-kun, you finally noticed?" Her amused voice came through the receiver. "I had the student council move it to the library. The renovations are finished, and I thought it would be better there."
"Couldn't you have warned me first?"
"I thought you'd appreciate the surprise," she replied teasingly.
Nozomi sighed but couldn't bring himself to be annoyed. Instead, he changed course and headed toward the library. As soon as he stepped inside, he spotted Sumireko sitting by the window, absorbed in a book.
"Yo, I'm here."
She glanced up and greeted him with a polite smile. "Good afternoon, Nozomi-kun."
His eye twitched.
"That's way too formal," he grumbled, reaching over to pinch her cheek lightly.
Sumireko swatted his hand away, laughing. "Well, someone has to keep you in line."
"You're one to talk."
With a smirk, she rested her chin on her hand and tilted her head. "By the way, do you have anything to say about what happened this morning with Mai-senpai?"
Nozomi's gaze flickered, but he quickly recovered. Taking her soft, pale hand in his, he gave her a light squeeze.
"I didn't get the chance to talk about it earlier, but I can tell you now."
Sumireko's lips curved into a knowing smile. "Good answer. But aren't you planning to tell Shiina-san as well?"
He leaned back in his chair, exhaling. "No need to worry her yet. If she notices something off, then I'll explain."
Sumireko pouted. "Oh? And what about me? Are you not worried about me being scared?"
"I am. That's why I won't say anything."
She immediately frowned and lightly smacked his arm. "You're awful, you know that?"
He chuckled. "Heh, so are you scared or not?"
For a moment, she simply gazed at him, her golden eyes reflecting the soft afternoon light. Then, slowly, she leaned her head against his shoulder, her voice dropping to a whisper.
"With you here… what's there to be afraid of?"
Nozomi smiled faintly and wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her closer. The subtle scent of her shampoo lingered in the air, adding to the quiet sense of comfort between them.
After a moment, he murmured, "Hey, Sumireko… do you remember what I asked you that day in the library?"
"Hm? Which day?" she asked lazily, her head still resting against him.
"The day we talked about the bunny girl."
At that, she blinked before realization dawned in her eyes. "Ah… you mean Mai-senpai?"
Nozomi sighed heavily. "Hai, it seems that for some reason, the existence of Sakurajima-senpai is slowly disappearing. The people around her are beginning to lose sight of her, and some have even started to forget she ever existed."
"She was wandering around the library in a bunny girl costume, and no one noticed her. Only I could see her."
"Nani? Why were you the only one who could see her?"
Sumireko Sanshokuin looked at Nozomi with curiosity, tilting her head slightly as if trying to see through his thoughts.
"Maybe it's because I'm special," Nozomi replied, giving her a teasing grin. "Let's just say I can see things that normal people can't."
Sumireko shuddered slightly. "When you say it like that, it actually sounds a little scary…" She glanced around instinctively. "There… there aren't any strange things around us right now, are there?"
Nozomi chuckled and patted her head. "Baka, I'm here, remember? If there were any weird things, I would've already exorcised them."
"So, you're an onmyouji now?" Sumireko pouted, playfully pushing his hand away.
"Nah, I'm just your ordinary high school student," he said with a smirk.
==================
"Do you really believe all this?" Sumireko sighed, crossing her arms.
Nozomi flashed a confident smile. "Of course. I believe it, and that's all that matters." He ruffled her hair affectionately before continuing. "I met Sakurajima-senpai again this morning on the train. Since no one can see her, I figured I'd help her out a little. This afternoon, I'll grab her some things and then help her settle into Sakurasou."
Sumireko's lips curled slightly downward. "Are you sure you're only helping her because you feel bad?" Her voice had a tinge of jealousy.
"Of course," Nozomi reassured her, chuckling. "I just thought it was unfair for her to deal with this alone."
Sumireko squinted at him, then suddenly pinched his arm. "Mou, you're too nice sometimes." But despite her words, she wasn't actually mad.
"Is there anything I can do to help?" she asked after a brief pause. "Now that I think about it, I don't remember seeing Sakurajima-senpai either… It's strange."
Nozomi sighed. "That's the problem. It's like she's vanishing from everyone's memories."
Sumireko suddenly leaned in and pecked his cheek. "At least you won't disappear, right?"
Nozomi blinked, momentarily stunned, then grinned. "I won't. Sumireko, please don't ever disappear from my world either."
She smiled softly. "I won't. If nothing unexpected happens, I'll be here every day after school. You know where to find me."
Nozomi wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her closer. "That's all I need."
She giggled. "You're such a smooth-talker, Nozomi."
"I mean it. I'll prove it to you with my actions," he said seriously. "I'll protect you, and I'll give you the courage to face the world as your true, beautiful self."
Sumireko felt warmth spread through her chest. She wrapped her arms around his neck and sat on his lap.
"Give me a little more time," she murmured. "I can return to my true self, but I don't want to attract attention yet. As long as you keep looking at me, that's enough."
Her wish was simple.
Nozomi nodded seriously. "I'll always be here."
After a short silence, he asked, "By the way, Sumireko, have you ever considered talking to Mahiru?"
Sumireko raised an eyebrow. "You mean Shiina-san? You want me to make more same-sex friends?"
"I just think it might be good for you," he admitted.
She smirked. "You don't have to worry. I already have a good relationship with her in private."
"Eh? Since when?!" Nozomi blinked in surprise.
"Fufufu, I won't tell you. You can try and guess." She gave him a teasing grin, clearly enjoying his confusion.
Nozomi sighed, realizing she wasn't going to give him a straight answer. Instead, he ruffled her hair again, then opened his bento to start eating. As usual, Sumireko ended up feeding him between bites.
Just as they were enjoying their quiet moment together, a familiar voice interrupted them.
"You two are seriously bold. Hugging and flirting in a public place like this? The world really is going downhill."
Both of them froze mid-action and turned towards the voice.
Standing there, arms crossed, was none other than Sakurajima Mai.
Sumireko covered her mouth in surprise. "Sugoi… I can see you again, Sakurajima-senpai. And I'm remembering more about you. I remember… you're an actress!"